Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence

Chunkit Fung, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Oncology and Vice Chair of Engagement and Enrichment

Dr. Fung has played a central role in embedding inclusive excellence in the Department of Medicine’s clinical practice, educational mission, professional culture, and strategic planning. His efforts have strengthened faculty and trainee wellbeing, promoted accountability, created new pathways for mentorship and professional development, expanded community-engaged scholarship, enriched quality improvement efforts, and elevated URMC’s national profile in health outcomes optimization.

Carmona Ross-Asare, Ph.D., International Student Counselor, College Center for Advising Services

Dr. Ross-Asare advises and counsels over 150 international students through the College Center for Advising Services. Her student nominators shared that Dr. Ross-Asare has consistently empowered them and helped remove barriers that often go unnoticed. Her attentive mentorship and advocacy help anchor international students to our community, making our University a better place for everyone to belong.

East-UR MEDS for Future Health Professionals

East-UR MEDS connects URochester medical students with East High School scholars who are interested in healthcare. The medical students provide near-peer mentorship and support across three school-based programs: Lunch & Learns, HOSA – Future Health Professionals, and Career Spotlights. In everything they do, East-UR MEDS leaders center East High School scholars’ voices, identities, and lived experiences.

Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center

Established in 2013, the Burgett Intercultural Center promotes intercultural understanding, enriches our culture of respect and collaboration, and builds a community where everyone feels included. The BIC helps students feel a sense of belonging through programming and events centered on cultural food, and art, and they have a rich array of LGBTQ+ life offerings for students from all URochester schools.

Wade Norwood ’85, Chief Advancement and Government Relations Officer, Common Ground Health and Rochester Regional Health Information Organization

Since graduating from URochester in 1985, Wade Norwood has been a dedicated change agent and community leader. In addition to his trailblazing work with Common Ground Health, he has served as the co-chair of URMC’s Community Advisory Council and has held leadership roles in the New York State Board of Regents, the New York State Health Department, the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Task Force, and the Rochester City Council, among others.

Kathy Waller ’80, ‘83S (MBA), University Trustee

Kathy Waller has served as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for nearly two decades and has distinguished herself as an executive leader and advocate for inclusion and opportunity at some of the nation’s most iconic corporations. She retired as executive chief financial officer and president of Enabling Services, after a 32-year career with the Coca-Cola Company, where she also chaired the company’s Women’s Leadership Council. In addition, she serves on the boards of Spelman College and Delta Airlines. As an alumna, she has held leading roles in the Women’s Network Leadership Committee, initiatives to support inclusivity and student success, major philanthropic campaigns, milestone reunions, and Atlanta-area admissions events.

Tanatchaya Chanphanitpornkit ‘15E, Conductor and Music Educator

Tanya Chanphanitpornkit is an orchestra teacher at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in New York City, where she also is the music director for the Crescendo Orchestra or the New York Youth Symphony. A bassist, conductor, and educator, Tanya has been recognized for elevating the lives of her students and for her leadership to engage the Eastman School of Music and the University communities as a volunteer who works to foster inclusion in all settings. As an alumna, Tanya has served in a wide range of volunteer leadership roles, including the University’s Alumni Board, the Advisory Council for Inclusive Engagement, the Metro New York Network Leadership Council, and the Meliora Collective Mentorship program.

Recognizes postdoctoral fellows and faculty who exemplify excellence in developing and sustaining a culture of belonging.

Recognizes staff who exemplify excellence in developing and sustaining a culture of belonging.

Recognizes departments, offices, programs, and teams that aim to enhance a culture and climate of belonging among faculty, staff, and/or students.

Recognizes students—undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral fellow—and student organizations who aim to cultivate transformative change at the University of Rochester.

Recognizes members from a bargaining group who lead actions that eliminate barriers for others in the University community.

Recognizes a community organization or member from the Greater Rochester community who strives for meaningful social change.